17.5.7.1 NAND Flash Boot: NAND Flash Detection

After the NAND Flash interface configuration, a reset command is sent to the memory.

Hardware ECC detection and correction are provided by the PMECC peripheral. See the section PMECC Controller Functional Description for more details.

The Boot Program is able to retrieve NAND Flash parameters and ECC requirements using two methods as follows:
  • The detection of a specific header written at the beginning of the first page of the NAND Flash
or
  • Through the ONFI parameters for the ONFI-compliant memories
However, it is highly recommended to use the NAND Flash Header method (first bullet above) since it indicates exactly how the PMECC has been configured to write the bootable program in the NAND Flash, and not to rely only on the NAND Flash capabilities.
Note: Booting on 16-bit NAND Flash is not possible; only 8-bit NAND Flash memories are supported.
Figure 17-7. Boot NAND Flash Download